3 Legit Ways to Transition to a Plant-Based/Vegan Diet

It seems like everywhere you look, you hear the buzzwords – plant-based, vegan, green juice. It’s all the rage, gorgeous, but let’s be real for a sec. How does a busy woman like you actually integrate this seemingly elusive lifestyle into an already hectic schedule?!

My name is Willow Greene, and I live, eat, and breathe this beautiful way of living. I’m not just a plant-based personal chef; I truly walk my talk, thriving on mountains of delicious fruits and vegetables. I am 100% vegan, eating mostly raw, living foods that make me feel absolutely incredible.

Now, I want you to know this wasn’t an overnight switch. It was a long, beautiful transition that took me about 3 years to arrive here! I tried over and over again, but until I addressed some deep emotional, physical, and spiritual stuff, it was so hard for me to fully commit. Why? Because food is so tangled up with our feelings, isn’t it? We so often use it as a crutch to self-soothe. If this sounds even a little bit like you, trust me, lovely, you are not alone!

Here’s the absolute truth, babe: adopting a plant-based lifestyle is fueled so much more by your mental health state than whether or not you actually like healthy food.

Just take a moment and let that sink in. You can have all the desire in the world, but if you’re not mentally receptive and prepared to take on this journey, what good is that desire? While this is just a little intro to help you dip your toes in, maybe-just maybe-this will be your turning point.

Where Do I Start Before Heading to the Grocery Store Like a Lost Puppy?

Have you ever walked into the grocery store, ready to start fresh, only to find yourself wandering in circles trying to figure out what the heck to make for dinner?? It’s tough enough when you already have an established food routine, let alone trying to introduce a whole new plant-based way of eating. So, what worked for me?

My best strategy was watching YouTube videos for weeks straight. I was already a vegetarian, but I needed more than just meal inspiration. I needed to hear other people’s stories, their hardships, and their wins. I literally watched hundreds of videos, and each one built up my courage to commit to a way of life I knew in my heart I was destined for.

You think that sounds nerdy? What’s nerdy about taking control of your health? Let me tell you something, ladies, there is nothing more sexy or empowering than watching someone take their health into their own hands. In fact, it’s downright badass. It doesn’t just have to be YouTube! Go to the library, watch documentaries on Netflix, or just browse the prepared food section at Whole Foods. The first step is simply to get acquainted with this amazing new world. What’s your favorite documentary that got you inspired? Let us know in the comments!

Focus on the Addition of Food, Not the Subtraction

It is a total myth that a plant-based diet is lacking in satisfaction or decadence. People hear the words plant-based and vegan and they immediately think about all the foods they can’t have. If you want to start eating this way and make it stick, you have to focus on adding amazing new foods so you don’t feel like you’re giving anything up.

Let’s take breakfast, for example. Suppose you normally grab a coffee and a breakfast wrap on your way to work. Next time, I want you to order that gorgeous green juice or that lovely granola fruit cup you’ve been eyeing in addition to your typical breakfast.

Here’s teh trick, babe: eat the new, healthy items first before diving into your usuals. Chances are, you will be too full to even finish that sandwich. You might think this is expensive or a waste of money. And maybe it is, but sometimes we learn best through these little lessons. If you just ordered the smoothie alone, your brain might scream “deprivation!” and you’ll swear off this lifestyle forever. But if you order everything and get full off the good stuff, you’ll look at the other items and realize you don’t even need all that food. Sometimes you have to trick your brain, especially when it comes to food!

The same thing goes for dinner. Order what you want, but start with that beautiful lentil vegetable soup or a big Greek salad (just ask for no feta). You’ll probably be too full to finish your entire entrée. So many people think they won’t find anything to eat at a restaurant, but your favorite spots already have these incredible options waiting for you!

How to Stay the Course by Finding Foods That Represent Your Old Favorites

Pizza, brownies, ice cream… yes, girl, you can still have it all! It is absolutely amazing how many wonderful vegan treats there are nowadays that taste even better than their original counterparts. Of course, treats are treats, not an everyday thing. Ideally, the bulk of your diet should be vibrant fruits and vegetables, but you’ll also want to focus on foods that have substance and structure so you feel completely satisfied.

Beans should become your new best friend. They are creamy, “meaty,” and so, so satisfying. You could make a killer Mexican black bean salad with sweet potatoes, greens, tomatoes, and corn with a spicy chipotle dressing. The combo of potatoes and beans will leave you so full and happy, you won’t even miss the chicken.

One of my all time favorite staples is Nutritional Yeast. It has this incredible cheesy flavor. Seriously, go stock up on this if you’re a cheese lover! It’s high in B vitamins and protein, too. Go ahead and make some brown rice pasta, add some sauce and a generous sprinkle of “nooch,” and boom-you have a delicious, comforting dinner. Have you ever tried nutritional yeast? We’d love to hear your favorite way to use it!

And who said salad is boring? That sad old iceberg lettuce salad is long gone. I’m talking about a strawberry, spinach, and quinoa salad with pistachios and a citrus vinaigrette. Or a massive taco salad with creamy avocado, black beans, corn, and raw corn chips for that crunch. Avocado is another powerhouse food-its creaminess is just so satisfying. A salad is anything you want it to be, lovely. So go to the salad bar and pack in the greens, beans, and avocado.

Load up on the plants and watch your life change for the better!

Your Plant-Based Questions, Answered!

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Starting a plant-based journey is about so much more than food – it’s an act of self-love. Be patient with yourself, celebrate the small victories, and remember that every single plant-powered meal is a step toward a more vibrant you. You’ve totally got this.

We Want to Hear From You!

Share your story in the comments below – your experience, your struggles, and your triumphs might be exactly what another woman needs to hear today. Let’s build each other up and support each other on this beautiful journey!